Shrimp Scampi Pizza Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Pizza combines the best of Italian-American cuisine, merging the beloved seafood dish with traditional pizza elements. You’ll find a harmonious blend of garlic, butter, white wine, and shrimp atop a crispy crust. This fusion dish emerged in the late 20th century, capitalizing on America’s growing love for shrimp. To create it, you’ll sauté garlic and shrimp, then top your pizza dough with the mixture along with cheeses and herbs. Bake until golden for a unique and satisfying meal. The result is a balanced dish offering protein, carbohydrates, and heart-healthy fats. Discover the various ways you can customize this flavorful pizza to suit your tastes.
Origins and History
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Shrimp Scampi Pizza is a delightful fusion of Italian-American cuisine, combining the garlicky, buttery flavors of shrimp scampi with the comforting familiarity of pizza. This innovative dish emerged in the late 20th century, capitalizing on the growing popularity of shrimp in American cuisine and the enduring appeal of pizza. With its crispy crust, succulent shrimp, and aromatic garlic-infused sauce, this pizza offers a unique and satisfying dining experience that showcases the adaptability of Italian cuisine in the American context.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add white wine to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or another baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the dough with the garlic-wine sauce from the skillet.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the dough.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the cheese.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped parsley and lemon zest.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Top Tips
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear rather than steam.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the skillet, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust, preheating it in the oven for at least 30 minutes.
- Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the finished pizza for added richness.
- Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before cutting to let the cheese set slightly.
Variations
- Seafood Medley: Add small scallops or calamari rings to the shrimp topping.
- Pesto Base: Replace the garlic-wine sauce with a thin layer of pesto sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh jalapeños.
- White Pizza: Omit the tomato sauce and use ricotta cheese as a base instead.
- Grilled Version: Cook the pizza on a preheated grill for a smoky flavor.
- Veggie Addition: Top with halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onions.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 25g |
This Shrimp Scampi Pizza is a balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the shrimp and cheese. The carbohydrates from the pizza dough offer energy, while the olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. However, it’s relatively high in calories and fat, so portion control is advisable. The shrimp also provides omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, which are beneficial for heart and thyroid health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Type of Shrimp to Use for Shrimp Scampi Pizza?
You’ll want medium-sized shrimp (31-40 count) for ideal texture and flavor. They’re versatile for various cooking methods. Sauté them quickly to maintain their juicy texture, ensuring they’re not overcooked before topping your innovative pizza creation.
Can I Make Shrimp Scampi Pizza Without Using Wine?
You can make this dish without wine by substituting ingredients. Consider alternative cooking methods and flavor profiles. Use lemon juice, stock, or vinegar for acidity. Explore ingredient variations like garlic, herbs, or spices to enhance complexity.
How Do I Prevent the Shrimp From Becoming Overcooked on the Pizza?
To maintain shrimp texture, you’ll want to strategically time their addition. Use larger shrimp and marinate them for enhanced flavor. Precook the pizza base, then add raw shrimp during the final minutes of baking to achieve best doneness.
Is It Better to Use Fresh or Pre-Cooked Shrimp for This Recipe?
For best results, you’ll want to use fresh, raw shrimp. Fresh vs frozen, raw shrimp retains more flavor and texture. Raw vs cooked allows you to control the cooking process, ensuring perfectly tender shrimp on your innovative creation.
What Cheese Pairs Best With Shrimp Scampi Pizza?
You’ll find mozzarella and Parmesan are prime cheese options for this dish. Consider wine alternatives like dry white vermouth. When selecting shrimp, opt for raw, deveined varieties. Cooking techniques should focus on quick, high-heat methods to preserve texture.
Can Shrimp Scampi With Linguine Be Adapted Into a Pizza Recipe?
Transforming the classic shrimp scampi with linguine recipe into a pizza is a creative twist that combines the best of both worlds. Use a garlic butter sauce as the base, top with succulent shrimp, fresh linguine, and grated Parmesan. Bake to perfection for a flavorful pizza that redefines tradition.
Before You Go
You’ve now explored the fascinating fusion of shrimp scampi and pizza. This culinary innovation combines Italian and American flavors, merging seafood with traditional pizza elements. As you’ve learned, it’s a relatively recent creation that’s gained popularity in the 21st century. By understanding its origins and preparation methods, you’re equipped to appreciate or even recreate this unique dish. The shrimp scampi pizza exemplifies modern cuisine‘s tendency to blend diverse culinary traditions.
